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Show j May 7, 1993 Amnesty International at wsu making By ROGER DICKSON Signpost staff writer The advance of Democracy on the world has had its impact. However,notaIlpeoplehavetheir freedom. Many governments still imprison, torture and execute people for personal convictions ,and belief. But Weber State University's Chapter of Amnesty International meets each week to be the voice for those who can't speak out. WSU's Amnesty chapter has worked for human rights for six years. The chapter is a leader in the Rocky Mountain area, and next week will mark the fourth time Amnesty will sponsor human rights week, and the third time hosting the Great Basin Human Rights Conference. The basic premise of Amnesty is to make sure citizen rights are not denied by the government. "Amnesty can't stop everything, but we work for awareness. People, especially here in western society, need to be aware of what is going on in the world," Amnesty member Annette Liggett said. Amnesty's only goal is to ensure human rights. Once the Organization learns human rights are being violated, letters of concern are sent to the government in question. This weeks' letter writing exercise is focused on Turkey, where prisoners are reportedly being mistreated. Letters are tar Human Rights Week Agenda: Paint the Candle Monday May 10th Road4:00 p.m. Candlelight Vigil Honoring Rigoberto Menchu Duck Pond9 p.m. Art Display Tuesday morning May 11th Union Building h ii Willi' ! n , i iiiiffii iiilifiliiiillii '-L!Ltrv Ll"!L Lwllilawiifrifriii ianlrtJl?9sJB!SE an effort geted to the Turkish minister of interior, governor and police chief. Members of the chapter don't always see the results of their efforts, but occasionally learn their letters may have an influence. "I sent a letter around Christmas time for a woman who was a political prisoner in Malawi (Africa)," Kevin Parke said. "She was just released. It's really rewarding when you hear something positive is happening," Parke said. "Amnesty gives people a great opportunity to act on their idealism," said Nancy Haanstad,WSU political science professor and adviser to the Amnesty chapter. "Members have the opportunity to take action and make an impact for people who do not have the same rights," Haanstad said. Amnesty offers concrete opportunities forpeople to make the world a better place, she said. "Peoplecan translate idealism into positive action." Haanstad said her best experiences with Amnesty are meeting the real people who put their lives on the line for what they believe. Thehunger banquet slated fornext week will feature Carlos Escobar, an ex-political prisoner. Escobar is a lawyer who attempted to hold the Peruvian government responsible for acts reportedly committed against native Peruvians. "Amnesty works because people have a conscience," Haanstad said. Reception for Arun Gandhi Alumni Center6:30-800 p.m. Human Rights Address Wednesday May 12th Wildcat Theaterl:3O-3O0 p.m. Hunger Banquet Carlos Escobar YCC6:30-8:30 p.m. Reading Banned Books Thursday morning May 13th Union Building. 5 -f & J , i' f mUi ii i. iM'U'lllJJI Signpost Gomez stresses education for youth By TYSON HIATT Signpost wire editor Hispanic young people must promote Hispanic issues and culture and educate others about the ties between North and Latin America, said Thomas Gomez, president of National Image Inc. "I am here to let Latin students know what is required of them to take the role of leadership among their people," Gomez said. "To Hispanic youth, I would say, 'Y our number one priority should be education.'"Less than half of Hispanics nationwidegraduate from high school, less than 10 percent attend college and only one percent graduate from college, he said. He compared the statistics with those of African Americans who graduate more students from high school and with Asian Americans who send more students to college and at the top Of their class. He said the buzzword, "diversity," means respecting others' cultures and background. Gomez has worked in both the private sector and government with Hispanic issues. His positions ranged from president of National Image, a national organization designed to look at Hispanic issues, to a position with the United States Department of the Interior. He said he has always celebrated Hispanic holidays. He said both the United States and Mexico should celebrate "Cinco De Mayo," a Mexican holiday, becauseof the close ties between the two countries.Gomez said misunderstandings exist as to what Hispanic Americans want from the Aioun An (:".' ' j 1 i NOW OPEN AT: 36 & Harrison (Across from Kinko's) 392-6554 Open 7 Days a week No Appointment Necessary I ! 1 CARLOS CORDEROfHE SIGNPOST THOMAS GOMEZ spoke at Thursday's Convocations, advising Hispanic students to pursue an education and explaing some of the issues between Caucasions and Hispanics. United States. "There is still a misconception Hispanics want something for nothing," he said. All we want is equity. "All we want is our fair share." He said Hispanics should make sure they are not being over-run by local government officials. "We can not afford to allow people to have a personal agenda at the expense of our communities," he said. "I am of Latino and Mexican decent, but first and foremost I am Weber State In Just Your Me. L i proud to be a American," he said. There are parts of history that many Americans tend to forget which link the two countries together, he said. Mexican soldiers voluntarily crossed the border to fight in the United States military during World War I and World War II. He said the Free-Trade Agreemen t wi 1 1 bri ng ad d i ti o na I relationships between our two countries. At Great Clips, our stylists give you the look you want, every time. Every Great Clips stylist is specially trained to give you a salon-quality cut or perm, without the salon price. So come to Great Clips, and let our stylists give you your style. Great Clips for hair" OUR STYLISTS iim d |